About the Course
Dance can be scary! Many talented performers shy away from auditions because they are frightened of embarrassment (or worse, injury) in an imagined catastrophic dance audition. As a performer, every part of your body is a tool, and it is important to have an understanding of how your individual tools work and can serve you best. Modern media has skewed our perceptions of what normal, healthy, and flexible bodies can and should do, so it is important to learn your strengths, weaknesses, and limits, as you explore what kind of movement is comfortable for you, and isn't dictated by your fears. Movement is for all bodies, regardless of size, shape, or ability level, and this class will help you find a level of physical engagement that is right for you, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Dancers should come away with a greater awareness of the individuality of their movement and how to best care for their working body, while non-dancers should come away with greater body awareness and confidence in their movement abilities.
Your Instructor
MJ WESTMAAS
MJ Westmaas is a Michigan native and theatrical artist with professional performing credits at Tibbits Summer Theatre, and was the leading artistic producer for the historic re-launch of live theatre on Mackinac Island in 2016 as a special production of the Mackinac Arts Council. Obtaining her BA in Theatre from Siena Heights University, MJ pursued a unique course of study, combining choreography, performance, and body/movement science to specialize her education to focus on not only the artistic expression of dance, but the health and wellbeing of the dancer as a whole. With additional experience in performance, production, movement coaching, intimacy and stunt coordination, costume and sound design, she counts the diversity of her experience as an asset and indication of the fantastic opportunities she has enjoyed. She is thrilled to be working with BAMTalent for the first time, and share her knowledge with the next generation of performers.